Performances

Concerts - Happy Valley, Pennsylvania

Everyone is invited to play, sing or just listen to the Bluegrass and Gospel Jam every Tuesday night. Join the guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, harmonicas, dobros and of course, the melodious voices. A 15 minute break is enjoyed by all for some pot luck cookies and/or cakes. No charge for playing or listening. Great fun for all. 7:00-9:00pm

We feature live music in our Tasting Room every Friday night from 6p-8p all year round! There is no cover charge and seating is first come, first served, so stop by early to grab a spot, pick out your wine, and join us as we raise a glass to the weekend!

Country music's newest duo Smithfield is taking the stage by storm with their stunning harmonies. Having grown up together, vocalists Trey and Jennifer kick off the Grange Fair's entertainment schedule with hits "Hey Whiskey" and "Good Ol' Days."

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Arietta Women's Ensemble is pleased to present Wine, Women & Song, an evening of good food, great wine, and this year featuring wonderful music from the 1940s with our very own USO Show. Join us for a lovely midsummer evening on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 850 Stratford Drive, State College. Highlights of the event include a wine tasting, delightful hors d’oeuvres and desserts, a performance by Arietta of favorite songs from the 1940s, door prizes, and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit Arietta, a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided women’s choral music opportunities in our community since 2001. Admission is $20/person; tickets are available from any Arietta member, by calling 814-861-1277, or at the door.

Let the back beat soothe your soul with the premiere No. 1 Motown Sound Tribute Band in the Land - The Motown Sounds of Touch. Entertaining audiences for over 15 years with their energetic dance performances and engaging personalities, the band is always a crowd pleaser.

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Watch the top six contestants perform at this annual Grange Fair singing competition! Contestants, ages 14 to 20, are judged in the following categories: Opening/Song Choice, Stage Presence, Technical, and Overall Performance. Hosted by Big Froggy 101, this event based on the popular TV show, American Idol.

This show is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

One of the most passionate, high-energy performers in the business, chart topping country music legend Jo Dee Messina's breakout hit "Heads Carolina, Tails California" caps a career which includes nine No. 1 hits, and sixteen Top 40 songs. With over 5 million album sales, you can bet she's doing alright.

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Jordan Feliz released his first full album, The River, in 2016 and it debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's Christian Album chart. With two No. 1 songs to his credit, "The River" and "Never Too Far Gone," his folk, rock and soul sound has kept him on the Top 30 iTunes Christian Singles chart.

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

You may know him from the 15th season of The Amazing Race, but after years of touring with the likes of Dierks Bentley and Kip Moore, Mercury recording artist Canaan Smith is headlining his own tour with hits "Love You Like That" and "Hole In A Bottle."

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Returning to The State Theatre this fall, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood are on the road in 2017 supporting their fourth studio album, ‘Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel,’ and its follow up companion EP, ‘If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now,’ both out via Robinson’s Silver Arrow Records. Tracks have already been laid for another new studio album and ‘Betty’s Blends, Vol. 3’ live release later this year.

Nashville-based acappella group Street Corner Symphony formed to compete in NBC's all-vocal competition where they won the hearts of the judges and grabbed national attention for their unique style. Their repertoire appeals to both young and old alike and covers a wide range from gospel and barbershop to rock and pop.

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Get your "Fix" with Chris Lane's low-slung baritones and signature falsetto as the chart topping artist performs hits from his Top 10 album "Girl Problems." Earlier this year, Chris opened for Florida Georgia Line at the Bryce Jordan Center.

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Big Machine Label Group recording artist Tucker Beathard grew up in a family that excelled at both music and sports - his father is a hit songwriter; his brothers, star quarterbacks. Having played with artists like Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, Tucker is ready to "Rock On."

This concert is included in the price of admission to the fair. Daily admission tickets cost $7 each. Pay at the fair gate when you arrive or purchase a weekly admission ticket for $20 for the entire fair in advance at www.grangefair.com. All cars parked on the fairgrounds must have a parking pass. Daily parking passes cost $6 each and weekly parking passes cost $16 each.

Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling music artist The Weeknd has announced a second leg to his critically acclaimed Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour. Phase two will kick off on September 6th in the Bryce Jordan Center.

HE SOUL REBELS started with an idea – to expand upon the pop music they loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass tradition they grew up on. They took that tradition and blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz and rock. The band has settled on an eight-piece lineup and have built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in the party like atmosphere of a dance club. When not touring, The Soul Rebels’ weekly show at New Orleans’ Le Bon Temps Roulé is known to erupt with the kind of contagious, shout-along musical mayhem that The Rebels bring with them wherever they perform.

The Soul Rebels continue to chart new territory as they combine topnotch musicianship and songs with grooves that celebrate dancing, life, funk and soul.

Sea of Noise, the second full-length album by St. Paul and the Broken Bones, marks a quantum leap in sound and style for the high-voltage Birmingham, Alabama-based band.
Produced by Paul Butler and recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium, the group’s sophomore effort features an expanded eight-piece lineup of the widely praised soul-based rock unit. Longtime members Paul Janeway (lead vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass, guitar), Browan Lollar (guitars), Andrew Lee (drums), Al Gamble (keyboards), and Allen Branstetter (trumpet) are joined by Jason Mingledorff (saxophone, clarinet, flute), and Chad Fisher (trombone).
The collection of new original songs is the group’s first release on RECORDS, a joint venture of SONGS Publishing, winner of ASCAP’s 2016 independent publisher of the year award, and veteran label executive Barry Weiss.

Trinity Bellefonte is commemorating its 200th year as a congregation, and we'd like you to help us celebrate!
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While we have been hosting quarterly events throughout 2017, September 22-24 is our special homecoming weekend with three days of special events:
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Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.:
Gather for a very special Free Concert by Debbie Trudeau and Jonathan Dexter of the Allegria Ensemble in the church sanctuary, followed by a light reception downstairs in "The Park."
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Saturday, Sept. 23, noon:
Celebrate our 200th with a free community picnic on the church green, featuring fantastic food and beverages under a giant tent along with games for the children provided by our friends at Kidz Konnection.
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Saturday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m.:
Gather on the church green to hear a free concert by the Bellefonte Community Band at 2 p.m. Chairs are provided.
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Sunday, Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.:
Complete the celebration weekend with a special worship service featuring many former pastors who have preached here at Trinity over the decades.

Nancy Wilson of Heart and her new project, Roadcase Royale, are playing a mix of classic Heart songs fans know and love, as well as some original songs the new band wrote together. Fronted by Liv Warfield of Prince’s New Power Generation and Nancy Wilson, co-founder of Heart, Roadcase Royale has a rich background in rock and R&B. Warfield, Wilson, and their bandmates bring their decades of experience from the upper echelon of the music industry to Roadcase Royale, along with a renewed sense of direction and drive. Joining Wilson and Warfield are Warfield’s lead guitarist Ryan Waters and Heart veterans Dan Rothchild (bass), Ben Smith (Drums) and Chris Joyner (Keys). Each of these members shines in Roadcase Royale, with their various sensibilities creating the group’s sensitive, passionate, and driving rock and R&B sound.
Liv Warfield, a former track star at Notre Dame, was initially noticed by Prince after the release of her debut album “Embrace Me” and a YouTube video of her singing “Gimme Shelter.” She worked closely with Prince as a member of New Power Generation and he was the executive producer of her second solo album. Nancy Wilson, a guitar virtuoso since the age of 10, is celebrated as one of the seminal musicians in rock history, as a leader of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame-inducted Heart. Ryan Waters has worked as lead guitarist and musical director for Liv Warfield’s solo work since 2012, and previously worked with artists such as Sade, Cee Lo Green, and India Arie. Ben Smith, Dan Rothchild, and Chris Joyner carry with them an impressive musical pedigree – Rothchild is the son of Doors producer Paul Rothchild and has worked with Stevie Nicks, Fiona Apple and Beck, while Joyner has worked with numerous musicians including Ray LaMontagne, Jason Mraz and Sheryl Crow. Smith has performed with Mike Inez and Mike McCready and has been working with Heart since the 1990s.

Once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline,” Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Five-time GRAMMY winner and New York Times best-selling author, Wynonna has received over 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”

“My roots are firmly planted in Country music, the music that has been a backdrop to the lives of so many of my fans,” says Wynonna. “But I was given wings and I’m grateful, after all this time, for the freedom to be myself and sing the music that I love.”

Multi-platinum selling and Grammy®-winning group Casting Crowns will make an appearance this fall for "The Very Next Thing" Tour, featuring special guest, Zach Williams at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, October 6, at 7 p.m.

From the days of playing greasy local juke joints to headlining major festivals, JJ Grey remains an unfettered, blissful performer, singing with a blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his compositions. His presence before an audience is something startling and immediate, at times a funk rave-up, other times a sort of mass-absolution for the mortal weaknesses that make him and his audience human. When you see JJ Grey and his band Mofro live—and you truly, absolutely must—the man is fearless.

“’We Jam.’
That is the simplest way Spafford can describe themselves and their sound. In an era of music where the electronic scene is booming and the jam band generation is constantly looking for organic improvisation and creativity, Spafford stands out as a refreshing new sound. As the band gears up for a Fall Tour that will see them head East of Colorado for the first time, Spafford is excited to bring their special brand of ElectroFunkTherapy to new audiences.
Hailing from Arizona, the four-piece band is comprised of Brian Moss (Guitar), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Red Johnson (Keys), and Nick Tkacyk (Drums). According to Fairless, one of the things that makes the band unique is ‘the diversity and freedom that comes from having 5 different song writers/lyricists in the band which never really conform to any one specific genre. Even Chuck (Johnson) our lighting guru writes lyrics for our songs, though he can’t play any instrument besides the recorder. That and the freedom of improvisation; it is similar to a good game of chess. I like having to think and also never having to really play the same song twice.’

Join us in The Attic of The State Theatre as we celebrate local musicians with our Native Sons & Daughters Series!
Born in State College and raised in North Carolina, Eric shares his own songs about relationships, social awareness, and finding one’s path in life and keeps alive classics by artists like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Bob Marley. Eric regularly performs both solo and with other artists in central PA. As a former high school teacher and a 2016 graduate of Penn State’s educational leadership program, Eric uses music with high school students to facilitate both songwriting and conversation related to identity and social issues.

Little Seeds, the electrifying New West Records bow by Shovels and Rope, finds the award-winning South Carolina duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst exploring fresh dimensions in their sound with a brace of bold, candid, highly personal new songs.
The 12-song collection, produced by Trent at the couple’s home studio in Charleston, succeeds 2014’s Swimmin’ Time and 2012’s O’ Be Joyful; the latter title garnered the twosome Americana Music Awards for Song of the Year (for “Birmingham”) and Emerging Artist of the Year. Last year’s Busted Jukebox, Volume 1 was a collaborative collection of covers featuring such top talents as the Milk Carton Kids, Lucius, JD McPherson and Butch Walker.

Earlier this year, Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene, were booked to do a few solo acoustic shows together. One thought, and the other agreed, that the shows would be a helluva lot more fun if they joined together and did them “in the round.” For two friends that are gifted as both singer-songwriters and guitarists—impromptu “jamming” is second nature. But for these shows, they’ve ditched their bands for some stripped down acoustic performances, each taking a turn with one of their songs, while the other provides accompaniment.
It was a great experience for each of them and audience alike and Jackie and Anders are excited to bring this sit-down evening of old fashioned tune trading to more cities this fall!

McLovins
McLovins is a group of four fine and talented gentlemen based out of Hartford, Connecticut.
Fronted by lead singer Jake “The Drummer” Huffman, the group is anchored by bassist (and tireless tour van driver), Jason Ott. Guitarist Justin Berger and keyboardist Atticus Kelly complete the ensemble with their boundless instrumental mastery. The boys have played with a diverse group of artists, including 90’s rock luminaries The Gin Blossoms, Buddy Guy and funk legend George Porter Jr. of The Meters.
McLovins draw upon contemporary pop styles and traditional rock to create “get up and dance” music that gets their audience truly engaged. Their live show is a party atmosphere that showcases the band’s songwriting with a healthy dose of group improvisation led by heartthrob guitarist Justin Berger.
Guided by their overly qualified producer Bill Sherman (of Hamilton and Sesame Street fame), McLovins continue to raise the bar for themselves with each album release. Following 2015′s self-titled “McLovins,” the group is aiming for a 2017 release slated for the holiday season.
Once described as their field’s youngest seasoned veterans, the boys spend half of the year in a van touring around the country (and someday, the world).

Flux Capacitor
Emerging from the Pennsylvania music scene is the phenom band known as Flux Capacitor. Their fiery, distinct sound has catapulted the group with lightning speed into the national music scene.
This band of brothers consistently inspires and evokes a new and wildly addicting sound resonating with elements of rock, improvisation and electronica. They redefine musicality with positive prophetic vocals, complex guitar work, innovative keys/synths/bass stylings, with feverish syncopated drum rhythms. Flux Capacitor concerts are filled with improvisation, musical segues, spontaneous covers, and teases creating a unique, one of a kind experience at every performance. The essence of the brothers’ music is fueled by their dedicated practice of meditation and lucid dreaming which keeps them fueled by a higher power. Their electric vibe transcends the stage and extends into the crowd creating a magical musical ambience.
Flux has recently released their third album, “Cycle 9″, showcasing the band’s most ambitious and epic material to date. “Cycle 9″ was recorded with John Becker of Anomoulous Audio. Flux is a dedicated family group that believes in music, joy and consciousness. Under these guiding principles, Flux Capacitor has seen nothing but growth, giving killer performances and creating ecstatic dance floors at every show.
Flux Has Shared The Stage With Umphrey`s McGee, Railroad Earth, Keller Williams, Rusted Root, The New Mastersounds, Tea Leaf Green, Karl Denson`s Tiny Universe, Ozomatli, Conspirator, Stanton Moore, JGB with Melvin Seals, Particle, David Grisman Quartet, Ivan Neville`s Dumpstaphunk, Kung Fu, Papadosio, the Movement, Splintered Sunlight, Dangermuffin, Lukas Nelson and many, many more.

The duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson are a force to be reckoned with in the modern day Country music landscape. International Country music stars, Thompson Square has topped the radio charts across the United States, Canada and Australia with #1 hits “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About,” respectively.
After taking its headlining “Just Feels Good Tour” across the U.S., Asia and Australia in 2014, Thompson Square took time off to work on the Stoney Creek Records duo’s upcoming third album. The 2012 ACM and CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year,” Thompson Square continued its streak in 2013, once again securing the ACM Award for “Vocal Duo of the Year.” In all, Thompson Square has scored three #1 hits, six Top 20 hits, seven mainstream industry awards, over 25 award nominations and appeared on major media franchises from The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, CBS This Morning to Elle, Glamour, People, Rolling Stone, USA Today, USA Weekend and many more. For more information visit: http://www.thompsonsquare.com

Since he first appeared on the scene in the early ’90s, Williams has defined the term independent artist. And his recordings tell only half the story. Keller built his reputation initially on his engaging live performances, no two of which are ever alike. For most of his career he has performed solo. His stage shows are rooted around Keller singing his compositions and choice cover songs, while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. With the use of today’s technology, Keller creates samples on the fly in front of the audience, a technique called live phrase sampling or looping, with nothing pre-recorded. The end result often leans toward a hybrid of alternative folk and groovy electronica, a genre Keller jokingly calls “acoustic dance music” or ADM.”
That approach, Williams explains, was derived from “hours of playing solo with just a guitar and a microphone, and then wanting to go down different avenues musically. I couldn’t afford humans and didn’t want to step into the cheesy world of automated sequencers where you hit a button and the whole band starts to play, then you’ve got to solo along or sing on top of it. I wanted something more organic yet with a dance groove that I could create myself.”
Williams’ solo live shows—and his ability to improvise to his determinedly quirky tunes despite the absence of an actual band—quickly became the stuff of legend, and his audience grew exponentially when word spread about this exciting, unpredictable performer. Once he began releasing recordings, Williams was embraced by an even wider community of music fans, particularly the jam band crowd. While his live gigs have largely been solo affairs, Williams has nearly always used his albums as a forum for collaborations with fellow musicians.
“Each record,” he continues, “is a little snapshot of history. I like to think of it as a period piece for an artist. Each record is a little bit different but all of them have some kind of common thread, which is my musical ability as far as I can take it. I enjoy making records. In some people’s eyes, they’re a dying breed, but I’m very passionate about it. They document where my head is at that time in my career and where I am in my songwriting.”
What Williams calls “the looping thing” is actually a big part of what has made him such a compelling live performer. “Basically, I have these machines that are essentially delay units,” he explains. “What I do is step on a button and sing or play something. Then I step on the same button in time and it repeats what I just played or sang. Once that initial loop is created, I can layer on a bass line or a drum line and then have this layer that I just created in front of an audience that I could sing over and solo over. Nothing is pre-recorded. Everything is created onstage in front of the audience.”
If it sounds complicated, it is: but the basic thrust is that the technology has allowed Williams to go out on tour week after week, year after year, and play music by himself—without limiting his sound to what we most often associate with the solo singer-songwriter: a guy strumming a guitar and singing. With his arsenal of tech toys, Williams can expand his reach onstage by, in essence, jamming with himself.
As years have gone by and Keller has continued to evolve he has created more and more unique projects and collaborations with fellow musicians. From Jeff Sipe to Bill Kreutzmann, from Larry and Jenny Keel to The Travelin’ McCourys, from Mickey Hart to Leo Kottke – Keller Williams stays busy.
In 2016, Keller assembled yet another band, Keller Williams’ KWahtro. KWahtro, featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes, toured the country throughout the winter and fall of 2016. The first KWahtro album, SYNC was released in January of 2017. According to Keller, SYNC began as acoustic dance music but with the help of Droll, Boller and Holmes and special guests Mike Dillon and The Accidentals, the album “morphed into a type of acoustic acid jazz that draws on imagery in both the lyrics and the music.”
As if one album release wasn’t enough for 2017, Keller’s first all solo acoustic album, RAW, was also released in January of 2017. Keller started working on RAW in 2011, but got sidetracked by a number of other projects that began to take form. It was when Keller’s 2017 winter tour, Shut the Folk Up and Listen with Leo Kottke started to take form, that he jumped back into it and completed the album. For Keller this album and tour represent his roots; all solo acoustic guitar and vocals, no looping, pedals or bands.
Two albums at once, why not! Something different. That, we can assume, is how it will always be with Keller Williams.

Based in northeastern Brazil, Balé Folclórico da Bahia performs dances rooted in Africa, Europe, and America. In Bahia of All Colors, the twenty-six-member company of dancers, musicians, and singers offers a sensual and athletic repertory of maculelê (mock-fight), capoeira (Brazilian martial art), samba, reggae, and other dances. Balé Folclórico de Bahia’s high-energy presentation includes authentic folk dances and music from the three major cultural influences on the Brazilian people: Portuguese, which arrived with sixteenth-century colonization; African, introduced through slavery; and the indigenous traditions of native Brazilians.

Formed in 1988 by Walson Botelho and Ninho Reis in Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia, Balé Folclórico da Bahia is the only professional folk dance company in Brazil. The troupe, guided by Artistic Director José Carlos Arandiba, has earned international acclaim with tours to several continents. The company’s visit to Penn State is part of its eighth North American tour.

The company performs in traditional clothing that occasionally reveals partial nudity. Applies to the evening performance only.

Join us in The Attic of The State Theatre as we celebrate local musicians with our Native Sons & Daughters Series!
Born and raised in Northeastern PA, Chris began playing music initially as a drummer. He learned his craft on Friday and Saturday nights in the hard nosed, coal region pubs scattered throughout once vibrant towns. His teens and early 20’s were spent playing alongside his father and older brother, traveling with other regional acts, culminating with a stint drumming for Vince Welnick of The Tubes and The Grateful Dead. In the early 2000’s, Chris joined The Rustlanders as a drummer and contributing songwriter. The Rustlanders released their self titled debut album in 2007 and toured nationally with grammy award winning artist Ryan Bingham for two years. The band’s second album, recorded in LA’s famed East West Studios produced by Don Was, remains unreleased. Unable to reconcile a management contract, The Rustlanders broke up beneath financial and internal strain. In the wake of this disappointment came a collaboration with cult favorite and critically acclaimed band, Marah. This new, folkier version of Marah with Chris contributing drums, guitar, and vocals, released Mountain Minstrelsy of Pennsylvania.
Rolling Stone magazine listed the new line up in its “20 Best” of Nashville’s Americana 2014 Music Fest calling it their best “You can’t believe your eyes moment”. Months of strenuous touring ended with playing Spain’s prestigious Azkena Rock Festival. Upon returning home Chris helped establish a small, independent recording studio and began recording, producing and engineering his debut solo album. Wrought with truth and soul, All These Things was released in late 2013. Well received, The Pittsburgh City Paper asserts the album is “…full of idiosyncratic melodies and catchy, unexpected hooks.”, drawing comparisons with Ryan Adams, Steve Earle, Dire Straits, and White Album era Beatles. Fronting a new band, Chris began promoting All These Things with a live show that quickly became notorious for its raucous, cathartic energy.

Han and Finckel, who in 2012 won Musical America’s Musicians of the Year honor, are the artistic directors of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The married couple appears at the most exclusive venues across three continents. Two decades ago they created ArtistLed, classical music’s first musician-directed Internet-based recording company.

Setzer, a founding member of Emerson String Quartet, has garnered acclaim in the musical capitals of the world.

These extraordinary artists’ love for making music together has been the inspiration for bringing the Ludwig van Beethoven piano trios to audiences around the world. The trio’s Penn State concert features selected Beethoven piano trios. The ensemble returns in the 2017–18 season to conclude its presentation of Beethoven piano trios.

“Pianist Wu Han, violinist Philip Setzer, and cellist David Finckel gave their sold-out audience an exuberant, eddying account. … grabbing listeners, as it were, by the throats,” writes a critic for San Jose’s Mercury News.

The Wailin Jennys are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound.
Starting as a happy accident of solo singer/songwriters getting together for a one-time-only performance at a tiny guitar shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, The Wailin’ Jennys have grown over the years into one of today’s most beloved international folk acts. Founding members Moody and Mehta along with New York-based Masse continue to create some of the most exciting music on the folk-roots scene, stepping up their musical game with each critically lauded recording and thrilling audiences with their renowned live performances.
In 2004, The Wailin’ Jennys released their first full-length album 40 Days to great critical acclaim, netting a 2005 Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. Bolstered by their frequent appearances on Garrison Keillor’s public radio show A Prairie Home Companion, The Jennys exploded onto the roots music scene, performing at packed venues across the Canada, the U.S. and throughout the world.
The Jennys’ sophomore album, 2006’s Firecracker, served as a powerful follow-up to their career-making debut. Artistically, the record found The Jennys stepping out of the folk realm and into the world of alt-country, pop and rock. Garnering much attention, it was nominated for a Juno Award and won a 2007 Folk Alliance Award for Contemporary Release of the Year. Firecracker had legs, spending over 56 weeks on the Billboard charts.
The trio’s 2009 release, Live at Mauch Chunk Opera House, also spent over a year on the Billboard bluegrass charts. That landmark live album bottled the lightning of The Jennys’ live performances with show-stopping harmonies, impressive instrumental prowess, breathtaking songs and, of course, witty stage banter.
For their latest album, 2011’s Juno-winning Bright Morning Stars, The Wailin’ Jennys joined the ranks of Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris and recorded with award-winning producer Mark Howard. Co-produced by frequent Jennys collaborator and Juno Award-nominated David Travers-Smith, the album combines fresh and innovative sounds with the band’s signature harmonies — a perfect mix of Americana, pop and traditional folk that is destined to be a modern classic.
Although known primarily as an acoustic outfit, The Wailin’ Jennys have a diverse musical background that has shaped their musical sensibilities. Soprano Ruth Moody (vocals, guitar, accordion, banjo, bodhrán) is a classically trained vocalist and pianist with a burgeoning solo career. She made a splash in 2010 with the Juno-nominated The Garden which was followed up with 2013’s gorgeous These Wilder Things. She’s an accomplished, versatile singer of traditional and Celtic music and as the former lead singer of Juno-nominated roots band Scruj MacDuhk. Mezzo Nicky Mehta (vocals, guitar, harmonica, drums, ukulele), a classically trained dancer raised on ’70s a.m. radio and heavily influenced by alternative pop, was nominated for a Canadian Indie Music Award for her striking debut solo album, 2002’s Weather Vane. In July 2009 she became the proud mother to twin boys, Beck and Finn. Alto Heather Masse (vocals, upright bass) is a Jazz Voice graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, who has performed in Mark O’Connor’s Hot Swing, Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings and is a regular guest on A Prairie Home Companion. She has also toured with her own band, supporting her 2009 Red House release Bird Song. Her latest, 2013’s Lock My Heart, is is an inspired album of jazz standards and originals with legendary pianist Dick Hyman.
With their varying backgrounds, each of the Jennys is unique in their individual expression. Together they forge a unified folk-pop sound — all delivered with the irresistible vocal power of three.
For a detailed list of our accomplishments, go to our Awards, Nominations & Charts page.